Elastic-fluid turbine.



PATENTED DEC; 11, 1906.

J. WILKINSON. ELASTIC FLUID TURBINE.

APPLICATION FILED mun. 27, 1806- gfaxrzes 11-11 uomus FKIIIS co UNITED 1 STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES WILKINSON, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, A SSIGN OR TO WILKINSON TURBINE COMPANY. A CORPORATION OF ALABAMA.

ELA$TlC-FLUID TURBINE.

To on whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JAMES WILKINSON, a

citizen of the United States ,residing at Providence, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented new and useful Improvements in Elastic-Fluid Turbines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to elastic-fluid turbines of the multistage type having diaphragms which divide the interior into wheelcompartments.

T e object of my invention is to construct the turbine in such a manner that while preserving its stren th and rigidity it will enable access to be rea ily had to all parts of the interior for inspection and re air. To this end I form the outer casing an the diaphragm or diaphragms in halves or segments on a horibein zontal transverse plane, though the diaphragm may be divided mto a greater numer of segments, as occasion may require. The casing serves to clamp the diaphragmsections together, a yielding packing being interposed etween the halves of the casing, so that they can be drawn up solid against the diaphragms.

It 'is a further object of my invention to provide a novel manner of bracing the se mental diaphragm against axial deflection ue to pressure strain. This I do by. providing an abutment-bush, which I insert n the shaftopenin of the diaphragm, so that the inner ends 0 the segments contact therewith and are braced between it and the casing. I fur' ther propose to rovide the radial abutting side edges of t e segments with ortions. which interlock, thereby giving a ditional, strength to the diaphragm and forming a better steam-tight joint. v

It's also an object of my invention to pro, vide a novel method of mounting guides or directorlates 'in the nozzle-passages, this e ected by placing the guides in the noz e.-cores and casting the diaphragm around the ends of the lates to securethem' in osition by a cast j o1nt. v

y, invention also contemplates the rovision of improved director devices w 'ch comprise circumferential and transverse guides preferably formed of thin steel plates oined together in the form of a grid and se cured in the diaipuhlragm as above described.

My invention ther comprises the details I Specification of Letters Patent. Application 1641 March 27, 1906. Serial No. 308.293.

- joint, t e

Patented '-Dec. 11, 1906.

of construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter more particularly described with 5 5 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional view through the casing of a horizontal multistage turbine, the diaphragm being shown 1n side elevation. Fig. 2 is an end view of Fig. 1, the upper half being shown in-vertical section and the casing broken away on each side of a diaphragm. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the lower half of the diaphragm and sectional casmg shown 11). Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a detail view of a circular bush. Fig. 5 shows the several parts in position for assembling. Fig. 6 is a sectional view along the line as :10, Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a view along the line 11/ y, Fig. 1.

Similar reference-numerals refer to similar .parts throughout the drawings.

The outer casing of the turbine is divided on a horizontal transverse plane to form the upper half 1, which is provided with the tongues 2, that enter grooves 3 in the lower half 4. Packing may be inter osed in this tongue-and-groove joint, both alves being flanged at their abutting edges to provide for the reception of screw-bolts 5, which detachably connect the casing-sections together. The outer casing is internally grooved at 6 to receive the diaphragms, any desired number of .which may be used, according to the design or capacity of the turbine, or the diaphraglms may be designed so their outer.

eries abut, in which case the casing.

en iiee not be ooved. The diaphragms are also made in alves 7 and 8, which are coli-- nected by a tongue-and-groove joint, each half having one or more tongues 9, which interlock,- forming a ton eand-groove joint. These tongues pre erably continue around the semicircular opemng 1n the cen-- ter of each half, which together form the central shaft-o ening in the diaphragm 10 is held in this central e and groove An annular bus openin b a circular ton ush bei grooves 11, in whic the tongues 9 in the walls of the diaphra =ope interlock. This bush forms a soli central a utment for the diaphragm-halves which is of particular advantage when the internal pressure is high or when the difference in pressure on the two provi ed with annular sides of the diaphragm is great; but when dis osed so that they interlock properly -short circumferentlally,

wit 1 their corresponding lower sections. After this yielding packing, such as 13, is interposed in the grooves 3 and the top section 1 of the casing slipped over the diaphragms. As the screws 5 are screwed home the packing 13 yields until the casing-sections are ulled up solid against the diaphragms. acking may be used in the grooves 6, if desired, or between the diaphragm-sections or around the bushes 10. By removing the screws 5 ready access may be had to the interior of the whole turbine for inspection or re air. l

[he dia hragm is provided with a peripheral shoul er 14, through which one or more nozzle-passages 15 lead diagonally for the purpose of discharging motor fluid at an ang e against a bucket-wheel. (Not shown.) As these nozzles are radially and circumferentially elongated for the purpose of increasing their capacity in proportion with the expanded condition of the steam, it becomes necessary to provide both circumferential and transverse guides or director-plates to prevent eddy-currents. According to my invention I provide a wrought-sheet-steel or a cast-steel'grid comprising transverse guides 16 and circumferential artitions 17, which give the best nozzle e ect in directing the steam. I may use any desired number of the guides 16 or partitions 17 in each nozzle, either joining them together or forming them as an integral body. When the nozzle is only the transverse I prefer to cast the 'a hragm'around these guides 16-01 the grid so as to make the whole dia hragm ractically an integral piece To t 's end i pack the guides in the cores for their respective nozzle-passages, the ends of the guides andplartitlons beingsufliclently wider or longer t "an the nozzle-cores to pro ect therefrom. The nozzle cores are then placed in the diaphra m-mold and the diaphragm cast around t e ends of the des or partitions, their ends being provide with erforations 18 to root them more securellyi 1n the metal. This cast joint for bot guides and partitions securesthem firmly in position at a minimum cost, avoiding all machining or cutting of the diaphragm, which is not weakened by their insertion. The sections of the diaphragm may be locked uides 16 need be use together by a single tongue and groove, if desired, the tongue being formed integrally or attached to the diaphragm-section. To an extent the purpose of this feature of my invention may be obtained by providing the sections with overlapping shoulders.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm forlned in sections which have a tongueand groove joint at their abutting edges, and a central abutment-ring locked between said sections.

2. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm formed in sections which are connected by a radial tongue-and-groove joint or joints, and a central tongue-and-grooved abutment-ring.

3. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm divided in halves, the abutting portions of said halves being provided with tongues and grooves which interlock to form a tongueand-groove joint between the halves, and a central circular abutment carrying a packing-ring.

4. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a sectional outer casing with a yielding packing-joint, a sectional diaphragm which fits between the halves of said casing, and means to draw the casing-sections together until they clamp the diaphragrn-sections together.

5. In an elastic-fluid turbine, sectional diaphra ms,'a sectional casing to clamp over said iaphra ms, a yielding packing between sections of t e casing, and means to draw said casing-sections together against said packing.

6. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a sectional diaphragm, and a solid abutment-bush disposed centrally of the diaphragm and locked in position between its sections.

7. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a sectional diaphragm provided with a central shaftopening, one or more tongues and grooves formed in the walls of said opening, and a solid bush held between said sections by a tongue-and-grooye joint.

8. In an e astic-fluid turbine, a stationary element, a nozzle-passage formed therein, and radial and circumferential artitions or guides connected together and aving their ends rooted in the end and side walls of said nozzle-passage.

9. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm having a nozzle-passage formed therein, and

a grid comprising transversely and circumferentially disposed members which are united together and' cast-jointed to said diaphragm so as to divide or partition said nozzle-passage, substantially as described.

10. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a stationary element, a nozzle passage lead therethrough, thin metallic guide-plates o greater width than said nozzle which are held in position therein by having their ends united by IIO Enters this disclaimer- DISCLAIMER.

838,487. James Wilkinson, Providence, R, I. ELASTIC-FLUID TURBINE. Patent dated- December 11, 1906. Disclaimer filed July 31, 1907, by assigneeiv To that part of the claims in said specification which is in the following words, being claim numbered 10 therein, 'to wit:

10. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a stationary element, a. nozzle-passage leading a cast-joint to said element, and locking perof the segments thereof to prevent the deforations provided in the ends of said plates fiection of the diaphragm from pressure which are rooted in said element. strain. 2 5

11. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm i 14. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a shaft, a 5 formed in sections which have a tongue-andsegmental diaphragm exposed to different groove joint at their abutting edges, and an fluid-pressures and provided with a central outer sectional casing which surrounds and shaft-opening, a casing inclosing said diaholds said sections together to form a steamphragm, an abutment-bush disposed in the 30 tight partition in the turbine. shaft-opening of the diaphragm and in conro 12. In an elastic-fluid turbine, adiaphragm tact with the inner edges of the segments,

formed in sections, the abutting edges of the said bush being adapted to brace the diasections being adapted to make a steam-tight phragm sections against deflection from joint, each being provided with one or more pressure strain, and a packing-ring for said 35 members adapted to interlock lengthwise of shaft carried by said bush 15 the joint, and an outer sectional casing which In testimony whereof I have hereunto setsurrounds and holds said sections together to my hand in presence of two subscribing witform aIsteam11;ight pfftrtciltion 1in the turbine. nesses.

13. 11 an e asticui tur ine, a segmen- T tal diaphragm exposed to difierent fluid-pres- JAMES WILKIL 20 sures, a casing inclosing said diaphragm, and Witnesses:

an abutment disposed centrally of the dia- GEO. H. CAPRON, phragni and contacting with the inner edges HENRY Y. LUTES.

therethrough, thin metallicgnide-plates of greater width than said nozzle which are held in position therein by having their ends united by a cast-joint to said element and locking perforations provided in the ends of said plates, which are rooted in e1ement.[ Ofiic'ial Gazette, August 2?", 1.907.]

Disclaimer in Letters Patent- No. 838,487;

Enters this disclaimer- DISCLAIMER.

838,487. James Wilkinson, Providence, R, I. ELASTIC-FLUID TURBINE. Patent dated- December 11, 1906. Disclaimer filed July 31, 1907, by assigneeiv To that part of the claims in said specification which is in the following words, being claim numbered 10 therein, 'to wit:

10. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a stationary element, a. nozzle-passage leading a cast-joint to said element, and locking perof the segments thereof to prevent the deforations provided in the ends of said plates fiection of the diaphragm from pressure which are rooted in said element. strain. 2 5

11. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a diaphragm i 14. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a shaft, a 5 formed in sections which have a tongue-andsegmental diaphragm exposed to different groove joint at their abutting edges, and an fluid-pressures and provided with a central outer sectional casing which surrounds and shaft-opening, a casing inclosing said diaholds said sections together to form a steamphragm, an abutment-bush disposed in the 30 tight partition in the turbine. shaft-opening of the diaphragm and in conro 12. In an elastic-fluid turbine, adiaphragm tact with the inner edges of the segments,

formed in sections, the abutting edges of the said bush being adapted to brace the diasections being adapted to make a steam-tight phragm sections against deflection from joint, each being provided with one or more pressure strain, and a packing-ring for said 35 members adapted to interlock lengthwise of shaft carried by said bush 15 the joint, and an outer sectional casing which In testimony whereof I have hereunto setsurrounds and holds said sections together to my hand in presence of two subscribing witform aIsteam11;ight pfftrtciltion 1in the turbine. nesses.

13. 11 an e asticui tur ine, a segmen- T tal diaphragm exposed to difierent fluid-pres- JAMES WILKIL 20 sures, a casing inclosing said diaphragm, and Witnesses:

an abutment disposed centrally of the dia- GEO. H. CAPRON, phragni and contacting with the inner edges HENRY Y. LUTES.

therethrough, thin metallicgnide-plates of greater width than said nozzle which are held in position therein by having their ends united by a cast-joint to said element and locking perforations provided in the ends of said plates, which are rooted in e1ement.[ Ofiic'ial Gazette, August 2?", 1.907.]

Disclaimer in Letters Patent- No. 838,487;

Disclaimer in Letters Patent No. 838,487. inmnnn DISCLAIMER.

838,487.James Wilkinson, Providence, R. I.

December 11, 1906.

Enters this disclaimer To that part of the claims in said specification which is in the following words, being claim numbered 10 therein, to wit:

10. In an elastic-fluid turbine, a stationary element, a nozzle-passage leading therethrough, thin metallic guide-plates of greater width than said nozzle which are held in position therein by having their ends united by a east-joint to said element, and locking perforations provided in the ends of said plates, which are rooted in said element.[ Oflicial Gazette, August 27, 1907.]

ELASTIC-FLUID 'IURBINE. Patent dated Disclaimer filed July 31, 1907, by assignee. 

